JOHN COURSON, president and CEO of Folsom, Calif.-based Central Pacific Mortgage Co., has been elected chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBA). In this position, Courson will be responsible for building an awareness of the real estate finance industry's contribution to the U.S. economy. He is also a member of the MBA's board of directors.
RICHARD DAVIS has been named executive vice president of brokerage for Los Angeles-based Colliers Seeley International. Previously, Davis held the position of managing director of operations for Dallas-based Trammell Crow Co., and senior managing director for New York-based Cushman & Wakefield. Davis will focus on coordinating brokerage operations.
DIANE KAYSER has been appointed CFO of New York-based developer Thor Equities. Kayser previously worked as an independent consultant to retail CEOs, and also held the position of vice president of store finance for the athletic and real estate divisions of the Venator Group. In her new position, Kayser will be responsible for all internal finances of Thor Equities.
ELIZABETH HOULEY has joined Newmark & Co. Real Estate Inc. as senior managing director in the firm's Manhattan headquarters. Previously, Houley focused on revitalizing commercial properties in Downtown Manhattan. Prior to joining Newmark, Houley held the position of leasing director and vice president for Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle Inc.